Ipswich man to honour friend by running London Marathon

Sam Carrington, 29, is in the middle of getting marathon-fit ahead of running for the Anthony Nolan charity who supported his friend - Charlie West - before she passed.

When the marathon comes around, Charlie would've been turning 30, and on the anniversary Sam is honoured to get to run for her.

Sam Carrington is running the London Marathon in a tribute to his friend Charlie who passed away in sixth form (Image: Sam Carrington) He said: "I decided to apply for a charity place with a charity that means a lot to me, and as she would've turned 30 when I run it feels like it was meant to be - it's a big challenge but one I am honoured to have."

Charlie passed away in 2013 after a battle with non-hodgkin's lymphoma.

Anthony Nolan found a donor to help treat her cancer and give her the best chance but she passed away following complications post treatment.

Sam said: "She had a really positive attitude to life even with all the difficulties she went through, you'd never know that she was suffering.

"She had a deadpan sarcastic type of humour and her attitude towards how she dealt with those challenges really inspired me and still does."

Anthony Nolan is a charity that works to save and improve the lives of people with blood cancer and blood disorders.

They do this by connecting patients with donors for stem cell transplants, funding research, and providing support to patients throughout their transplant journey.

The pair met at Northgate Sixth Form, where Sam also met his wife who knew Charlie from being at school previously. 

Sam and his wife, Emma, who both knew Charlie at school (Image: Sam Carrington)In preparation for the London Marathon, Sam is tackling the Ipswich Half Marathon in September.

He said: "I am expecting to suffer during the half-marathon but hopefully it will help me for when the marathon comes around.

"I've got the half and then six months to be able to run double the distance - that's how I'm seeing it."

Sam has launched his fundraiser for the London Marathon with the proceeds going to Anthony Nolan.

He added: "Any donation is welcome, you don't need to donate a large amount, I'd just be grateful for anything you can give to help Anthony Nolan keep doing their life-saving work."

Alongside the fundraiser, Sam is organising a raffle for people to enter and he would love local businesses to donate items for people to win. 

To donate to Sam's fundraiser and to find out more, click here.